|
|
| Corrections employees resign after officials find uncashed checks in desk drawer |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 05/17/2004 |
|
Two Kentucky Department of Corrections employees have resigned after state officials found about $480,000 in uncashed checks stashed in one of the workers' desk drawers, Lt. Gov. Steve Pence said May 7. During a four-year period, an employee at Kentucky Correctional Industries failed to deposit about 250 checks, Pence said. They were found during a "routine investigation on a check," Pence said. State officials were trying to find a particular check when they discovered the uncashed ones last week, Pence said. Some dated back to 2000, and at least one was for more than $40,000, he said. Officials also found letters from some of the check-writers inquiring about their checks, he said. So far, officials have deposited about $300,000 into state accounts. However, some had already expired and the state is currently seeking to recoup that money, Pence said. It's possible the state may not be able to retrieve all the money, he said. Some businesses may have already gone out of business, while other amounts may not be worth collecting, Pence said. The Fletcher administration refused to disclose the employees' names. The employee and the director of the employee's department have both resigned, Pence said. A third employee has been reassigned, he said. State officials have referred the matter to the Kentucky State Police for further investigation. However, criminal charges have not been filed in the case. Gov. Ernie Fletcher said he thought the matter was "probably more a case of neglect." Pence, who is also secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, also asked the state auditor on May 6 to review KCI's business procedures. State Auditor Crit Luallen issued a statement saying her office would conduct a "full financial audit" of KCI. State inmates work through KCI to make and sell different products and services. Among its services, KCI offers data entry, furniture refurbishing and Braille inscription. It also makes clothing, furniture and cleaning supplies. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think